What is Sikhi’s view on assisted dieing

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

My dear seeker, your question about Sikhi's view on assisted dying touches upon profound aspects of life, death, and our relationship with the Divine. It's a question that many ponder, and it speaks to the deep respect for life that is central to our faith.

The Sanctity of Life

In Sikhi, life is considered a precious gift from Waheguru. Our existence is not our own to dispose of as we please; rather, it is a divine trust. The Guru Granth Sahib reminds us that our breath, our very being, is a blessing from the Creator. We are encouraged to cherish this human life as an opportunity to connect with the Divine Name and to serve humanity. To intentionally end a life, whether one's own or another's, goes against this fundamental understanding of life as a sacred gift.

The Guru tells us:

This human body has been given to you. This is your chance to meet the Lord of the Universe. Ang 12, Raag Asa, Guru Arjan Dev Ji

And again, emphasizing the preciousness of this life:

You obtained a human body, but you did not remember the Lord; you are like a crow, with a dirty mind. Ang 504, Raag Gauri, Guru Arjan Dev Ji

The Divine Will and Death

Sikhi teaches that life and death are part of Waheguru's Hukam, the Divine Will. We are born when He wills it, and we depart when He wills it. To interfere with this natural cycle, to hasten death, is seen as an attempt to usurp the Creator's prerogative. Our role is to accept His Will with humility and to live our lives in remembrance of Him, even through suffering.

Consider these words from the Guru:

The Lord Himself establishes and disestablishes; He Himself creates and destroys. Ang 123, Raag Majh, Guru Nanak Dev Ji

And:

The Lord Himself gives life, and the Lord Himself takes it away. Ang 1093, Raag Maru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Suffering and Acceptance

While suffering is an undeniable part of the human experience, Sikhi encourages us to face it with faith and resilience, seeing it as a test or a means of spiritual purification. Rather than seeking to escape suffering through premature death, we are taught to pray for strength, to remember the Divine Name, and to find solace in the Guru's wisdom. The focus is on enduring with grace and maintaining our connection to Waheguru, even in the most challenging times.

The Sikh Rehat Maryada

The Sikh Rehat Maryada (SRM), our code of conduct, does not explicitly mention "assisted dying" by name, as it is a more modern term. However, its principles strongly uphold the sanctity of life and condemn actions that intentionally end it. The SRM emphasizes the importance of preserving life and maintaining the body as a temple of Waheguru. Actions that lead to the deliberate termination of life are considered contrary to Sikh principles.

For instance, the SRM states general principles that reinforce the value of life and the importance of living according to the Guru's teachings, which inherently preclude the intentional ending of life.

A Sikh's life has to be lived in accordance with the Guru's teachings. Article I, Section (a), Sikh Rehat Maryada

And it outlines the importance of maintaining the body given by Waheguru:

For a Sikh, there is no restriction or requirement for food or dress, except that he or she must not take food or drink that is injurious to health, or intoxicating. He or she must not dress in a way that is immodest, or that is prohibited by the Guru's teachings. Article XXIV, Section (a), Sikh Rehat Maryada

While this article doesn't directly address assisted dying, the spirit of preserving health and living according to the Guru's teachings implies that one should not intentionally harm or end the life given by Waheguru.

Conclusion

Therefore, based on the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib and the principles enshrined in the Sikh Rehat Maryada, the practice of assisted dying is not in consonance with Sikh philosophy. Sikhi upholds the sanctity of life as a divine gift, emphasizes acceptance of Waheguru's Will in matters of life and death, and encourages facing suffering with faith and resilience. Our focus should always be on living a life connected to the Divine, serving others, and accepting the natural course of life and death as part of His Hukam.

May the Guru's light guide you always.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.